Howdy partners, it is time for what many guests and myself have all been anxious to see when word went out that the Calico Mine Ride was going to be closing to get a well deserved update just like its neighbor Timber Mountain Log Ride. With that in mind Knott’s enlisted the help once more of Garner Holt Productions Inc. (GHP) They did such an amazing job with the animatronics for the Log Ride and who better to help once more with the tedious job of making the miners of Calico Mine come back to life but GHP. Inside the mine ride they have over 45 different animatronics working seamlessly mining away hoping to strike gold.
At the grand re-opening ceremony we had Garner L. Holt, President of Garner Holt Productions Inc., Bill Butler Director of Creative Design at GHP and Darrel Anderson (the grandson of Walter and Cordelia Knott) spoke briefly. Then one of the Calico Mine trains pulled up with a Miner in one of the boxcars to welcome us all to his mine. Once he made his way down and invited us all to check out his mine and to share with him any winnings you may find inside the mine, he detonated the box of TNT setting off a chain reaction of 4 small pyrotechnics and one major kaboom. Like a start of the sound of a pistol fired at the beginning of a race we were on our way up thru the ramp queue and amongst the first guests to see this ride before opening to the public.
I have been looking forward to this re-opening for quite some time now, I felt so honored to be able to experience this ride that I recall from my childhood. Once in our open box cars and one final safety check were off into the mine.
Inside was the beautiful cavern with bubbling steam geysers. Then later you get to see the well known “Glory Hole” where you will see a lot of prospectors mining away working tediously. My favorite parts are the stalagmites and stalactites that seem to come alive and sing. The music has been re-recorded and it sounds amazing! I wish that the tour could have dropped me off so I can just stay and listen for a few hours. After the sweet serenade we take a slow advance through a rickety bridge where we can see the back side of a water fall and then you notice two animatronic vultures perched on boxes on the mountain. What could this mean? Oh no we are now entering the blasting zone. Will our train make it out alive? The special effects and lighting at the end were a great surprise that I was not anticipating and I look forward to seeing it time and time again. In fact I’m ready to go again, anyone want to join me? Well then come on down, the prospectors and I will be waiting for you at Knott’s Berry Farm in Ghost Town at the Calico Mine Ride.
Calico Mine Ride Facts!
Original Opening Date: November 22, 1960 Designer: Bud Hurlbut Original Cost: Over 1 million dollars Length of Train Track: 1,080 feet Height of the Mountain: 7 stories Number of Levels: 3 Length of Ride: 8 minutes Number of Trains:(6) 19th century-themed steam locomotives Number of Cars per Train: 5 Number of guests per train: 50 Capacity: 1,500 passengers an hour Height of Tallest Ascent: 160 Feet at a 25% slope Number of Bodies of Water: 2; 2 interior bodies of water, 5 waterfalls Gallons of Water Circulating the Mountain: 20,000 gallons Original Number of Human Figures: 40 New Number of Human Figures and Animals: 46 humans, plus dozens of historically accurate animals; bats, a dog, a mule, vultures, fish. Approximate Number of Stalactites and Stalagmites: Over 8,000 Size of the Glory Hole: 65 ft. deep x 90 ft. wide
It’s summer time and the weather is great, come visit Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang at the newly renovated Camp Snoopy which is celebrating 30 years of entertaining children and children at heart. On Thursday June 12, 2014 a select group of media were invited to be amongst the few to see the completion of Camp Snoopy. There are three brand new rides for the little ones; Linus Launcher is a hang gliding type ride where you lay down flat on your stomach and then you’re off flying thru the high sierras. Another addition is Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer is very similar to Fiesta Village Waveswinger but for children. This ride is themed well, as the ride starts and spins it depicts how Charlie Brown’s kite is eaten by this hungry tree. Last but not least is Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies, here your little campers can climb on board a little off road vehicles and bounce around in the “mud” no mud is actually utilized. These vehicles are very small, they can accommodate up to 4 small children or 1 to 2 children and 1 adult in the back of one vehicle or just 1 adult per vehicle.
In addition to the new color scheme check out all the wonderful greenery that provides shade and some of the planters have now been lowered so any age campers can turn them into a bench to sit and relax on. One favorite ride in Camp Snoopy would have to be Grand Sierra Railroad, I rode it as a kid and I still have fond memories of that, and to now see that the Peanuts gang is added it is a great addition, you get to relax and go camping with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang.
As the 180-passenger train departs from Camp Snoopy Depot, Linus Van Pelt will narrate the eight minute journey, pointing out the rustic sights and hilarious Peanuts’ camping adventures along the way. Passengers will catch a glimpse of Charlie attempting to fish in a local stream, Snoopy and Woodstock enjoying a camp fire, and many more vignettes all featuring classic Peanuts’ action and humor.
During the grand re-opening ceremony we had many esteemed guests like the mayor of Buena Park Steve Berry, Darrel Anderson who is the grandson of Walter and Cordelia Knott and Craig Schultz son of Charles M. Schultz. They all spoke briefly about how much they have seen Camp Snoopy grow and change for the better over the years. Then Charlie Brown, Linus and Lucy van Pelt came in and did a little song and dance and then realized that they were missing the Camp Snoopy flag, thankfully Snoopy saves the day and brought the flag that Lucy forgot to pack for camping.
Since June 1959, the Matterhorn has been a highly visible landmark for Disneyland Park, a sign to travelers that they are nearing The Happiest Place on Earth. Now part of the Disneyland “Mountain Range of Thrill Rides” – including Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain – Matterhorn Bobsleds was the first Disneyland roller coaster.
The Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction is unique to Disneyland park and does not appear at any other theme park
The Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction premiered June 14, 1959, as part of the first major expansion of Disneyland Park. Other attractions celebrating their 55th anniversary this summer are the Disneyland Monorail and the Submarine Voyage.
The introduction of these big new attractions in 1959 coincided with the introduction of what soon became another Disneyland cultural icon – the “E Ticket.”
Since 1959, the Matterhorn has been the highest point in Disneyland Park, at 147 feet. It is the second-highest point in the Disneyland Resort, behind the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which stands 183 feet tall in Disney California Adventure Park.
Matterhorn Bobsleds was the first roller coaster in the world to employ a tubular steel track and an electronic dispatch system, which enables more than one car at a time to be on the track.
The most recent update to Matterhorn Bobsleds, completed in June 2012, added glistening new paint and “snow caps” on the outside, along with new lighting on the menacing Abominable Snowman inside. New, three-person bobsleds now allow guests to be seated individually.
The attraction was inspired by the 1959 live-action Disney adventure film, “Third Man on the Mountain,” which starred James MacArthur and Michael Rennie as mountaineers. The movie was filmed in Zermatt, Switzerland, on and around the real Matterhorn.
The mountain was built to 1/100th scale of the original Matterhorn, or 147 feet versus the 14,700 feet of the original.
Scale and color were key components in the landscaping of the Matterhorn, with designers recreating the mountain meadow feel near the base of the mountain and the stark absence of growth above the timberline. Careful pruning and replacement of overgrown trees is done to maintain the proper scale.
From 1959 to 1994, the Skyway (which opened in 1956) carried guests between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, passing through an opening in the mountain.
Guests who look quickly while whizzing through the Matterhorn caverns may spot mountaineering supplies and other evidence of the “Wells Expedition.” These scenic details are a tribute to the late Frank Wells, who was President and Chief Operating Officer of the Walt Disney Company from 1984 until his death in 1994. Wells was an experienced mountain climber and skier.
The first major modifications to the attraction occurred in 1978, when the first tandem bobsleds appeared and the Abominable Snowman began to haunt the mountain caverns.
Here is the latest news at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando from our friends at Destinations in Florida Travel. This week features Fastpass+ updates, several Disney special events, and a bunch of operational updates. At Universal Orlando, we’ve got a look at the amazing new entertainment offerings coming to Diagon Alley, sneak peeks from the ‘Weasleys’ and Halloween Horror Nights info!
What’s New This Week?
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
New! FastPass+ Experience Group Changes at Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios: As a reminder, Guests make FastPass+ selections at Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios from experience groups. This allows more Guests to secure their most-preferred experiences. For FastPass+ selections on June 16 and beyond at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Great Movie Ride will move to group 1, and at Epcot, Living with the Land will move to group 1, while Character Spot and Maelstrom will move to group 2. If you already have FastPass+ selections for either park, you will be able to keep your selections, as long as you do not cancel an entire selection set. The updated experience groups will apply to all new FastPass+ selections, including those for which a Guest cancels an entire set. Also, beginning June 12, Guests will have the option to select English, Spanish or Portuguese at any of the in-park FastPass+ kiosks.
New! Car Masters Weekend Jun 14 – 15 at Downtown Disney: Car Masters Weekend, an event that’s perfect for car lovers (and lovers of “Cars”), will return to Downtown Disney June 14 – June 15, 2014. This year, guests can cruise through over 100 classic, muscle and exotic vehicles at the Downtown Disney Car Show Presented by Meguiar’s. The cars will be displayed throughout the West Side promenade, where fans of all ages can vote for their favorite. Those who complete a voting ballot will receive a coupon for a 20% lunch discount to use at any of the following participating Downtown Disney restaurants, while supplies last: Bongos, House of Blues, Paradiso 37, Planet Hollywood, Wolfgang Puck, and Splitsville. Automotive Legend Chip Foose will be returning to the event; he’s scheduled to make celebrity appearances and will take the stage to share his passion for cars. He’s also created some brand-new merchandise, available for sale throughout the weekend. Other happenings include: Disney-Pixar’s Cars movie marathons at AMC, Live entertainment, including a DJ, National Yo-Yo Champions and DisneyQuest Animators teaching how to draw Disney-Pixar’s Cars characters, A Disney Interactive tent, where Guests can play the new Disney Infinity game, Specialty merchandise and signing opportunities with celebrities, Meet ‘n’ greet opportunities with favorite Disney-Pixar’s Cars characters and Richard Petty Driving Experience, unveiling two new Pixar cars for junior ride-alongs!
New! Watch World Cup Games from Walt Disney World: The 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 12, and everyone is getting into the spirit. If you’re visiting Walt Disney World during the World Cup and wish to catch a game, you can catch it at these on-property viewing locations:
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – Silver Screen Spirits Pool Bar and World Premiere Food Court
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – Intermission Food Court and Singing Spirits Pool Bar
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort – End Zone Food Court and Grandstand Spirits Pool Bar
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Sanaa Lounge, Maji Pool Bar and Uzima Springs Pool Bar
Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Martha’s Vineyard
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – Banana Cabana Pool Bar
Disney’s Contemporary Resort – The Wave … of American Flavors
The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – Crockett’s Tavern
Disney’s Old Key West Resort – Gurgling Suitcase
Disney’s Polynesian Resort – Tambu Lounge and Barefoot Pool Bar
Disney’s Pop Century Resort – Everything POP Shopping & Dining
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside – River Roost
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter – Scat Cat’s Club
You can also follow along with the World Cup at Rainforest Cafe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Odyssey at Epcot, as well as ESPN Club and Big River Grille & Brewing Works at Disney’s BoardWalk!
New! World Cup-themed Fun at Walt Disney World: Guests can also celebrate the World Cup with some exclusive Disney experiences. For instance, a themed Goofy topiary is featured at Epcot for a special photo opportunity. From June 9-July 13 at the Germany pavilion inside Epcot, a Disney-created soccer experience is available for anyone wanting to practice his or her skills. For those interested in adorning themselves in themed apparel, specialty merchandise is available in select retail locations across property, including the new United World Soccer store at Downtown Disney.
New! Villains Unleashed Event Announced for August 23, 2014: A brand new special event will take place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Aug 23, 2014 8pm -1am — Villains Unleashed! Beware the power of evil as many of your favorite Disney villains run wild in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a special after-hours night of mischief and mayhem capped off with a wicked fireworks spectacular! Tickets are on sale now, $67 (adults) and $62 (ages 3-9) + tax.
New! Attraction Photos Automatically Linked to Memory Maker: As of Tuesday, June 3, Guests who purchase and link Memory Maker and have a MagicBand linked to their My Disney Experience account will have their attraction photos automatically associated to their accounts without stopping at the counter to claim their photos. This functionality will be available at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Test Track, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, DINOSAUR and Expedition Everest.
New! Check Quick Service Receipts for Coupons: Guests who visit certain quick-service dining locations in Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort theme parks June 10 through July 14 will receive a coupon attached to their receipt. The coupon offers 20 percent off purchase at participating merchandise locations during store opening and 1 p.m. between June 10 and July 15.
New! Changes in Animal Kingdom Due to Harambe Nights: In preparation for Harambe Nights, Africa will close at 6 p.m. every night the Harambe Nights event takes place through August 9. On these days, Tusker House will have its last seating at 4:30 p.m., and there will be no dinner period.
New Arcade Enhancement at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside: The Medicine Show Arcade at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside now offers a prize hub for Guests. Several games have the ability to add e-tickets to our Guests’ arcade cards after they play the game. Guests are able to collect as many e-tickets as possible, and they can redeem their e-tickets for prizes by scanning their arcade card at the prize hub. Each redemption game will have a yellow label if it is eligible for the prize hub.
New! Evening Shuttle Test from Downtown Disney West Side: Shuttle vans will be available midnight-1:45 a.m.to transport Guests to the Marketplace bus loop, which services Walt Disney World Resort Guests until 2 a.m. Vans will leave from the OPQ lot at the end of the West Side promenade behind Cirque du Soleil.
New! Walkway from TTC to Disney’s Polynesian Resort Closed: To accommodate renovations at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, the existing sidewalk between the resort and the Transportation and Ticket Center will be closed. Beginning June 10, pedestrians will be directed to use a different path between the two locations.
New! Block -out Date Lifted on Military Park Hopper Tickets July 4th: Support for U.S. military personnel and retirees is a longstanding Disney tradition. Both the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort offer promotional, multi-day park hopper tickets at a discounted price on participating U.S. military bases. The block-out on use of these tickets on Friday, July 4, has been lifted at Magic Kingdom Park, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. There are currently no remaining block-out periods for the 2014 Disney Military Promotion
Reminder: New! Richard Petty Debuts Piston Cup Junior Ride-Along Cars June 14: Two vehicles from the “Cars” franchise, Aiken Axler and Sage VanDerSpin, are about to make their debut at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Resort as a part of the new Junior Ride-Along program. In it, children ages 6 to 13 (and at least 48 inches tall) will have the chance to experience real-life racing excitement as they ride shotgun with a professional driving instructor for three thrilling laps in a specially equipped Piston Cup race car. Junior Ride-Alongs do not require reservations and are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Find more, visitDrivepetty.com or call 800-237-3889.
Reminder! 2014 “Star Wars” Weekends Continue Through June 15: At “Star Wars” Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Guests can see celebrities from the films and television series and enjoy special shows and panels at various locations in the park. Returning this year are the shows: Behind the Force: “Star Wars Rebels”, Stars of the Saga and Obi-Wan and Beyond starring James Arnold Taylor. Also returning this year are “Legends of the Force” Motorcade and Celebrity Welcome, Padawan Mind Challenge and DJ Lobot Dance Party. New this year will be nightly “Symphony in the Sky” fireworks and the diningand experience options we mentioned previously. The celebrity host this year is James Arnold Taylor along with co-host Ashley Eckstein. The celebrity guests for Weekend V are James Arnold Taylor, Ashley Eckstein, Dee Bradley Baker (Voice of Captain Rex and Commander Cody in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”), Matt Lanter (Voice of Anakin Skywalker in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”), Steve Blum (Voice of Zeb Orrelios in “Star Wars Rebels”), Tom Kane (Voice of Yoda in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”) and Cat Taber (Voice of Padme Amidala in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”).
Reminder! Some Performances of Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Cancelled: Due to upcoming concrete work on Main Street, U.S.A., there will not be morning performances of the Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party on the following dates: June 3, June 6 and June 13. The parade will only perform at 5:40 and 7 p.m. on these dates.
New! Merchandise Events:
June 12 – 22: Find the latest releases from Precious Moments doll designer and artist Linda Rick at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Add to your collection and meet representatives June 12 – 22 and June 26 – July 7. Look for a special appearance by Linda throughout the day, each day, June 12 – 15 and July 3 – 6.
June 12 – 15: Look for special appearances by artist Larry Dotson throughout the day at Main Street Cinema in Magic Kingdom Park
June 14: World-renowned Celebrity DJ Pauly D will appear in the Downtown Disney Marketplace from Noon to 1 p.m. to sign his recently released line of DJ Pauly D headphones from SMS Audio.
June 14 – 15: It is Car Masters Weekend at Downtown Disney. Special merchandise will be available at various locations.
June 18 – 22: Artist Greg McCullough returns to Art of Disney in Epcot.
June 20 – July 3: Artist David E. Doss will be appearing daily at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Stop in and find a new piece of art to add to your collection!
June 21: Stop by Animation Gallery inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the limited edition release of “Studio Flashback,” featuring Oswald, and meet the artists from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.. Can’t make it to the event? Order yours now!
June 26 – 29: Look for special appearances by artist Larry Dotson throughout the day at Main Street Cinema in Magic Kingdom Park
June 28: Now, all the world is Figment’s stage! To celebrate the launch of the new, limited edition figurine, Figment Actor, sculptor Jacqueline Perrault will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 3 to 4 p.m. at Art of Disney in Epcot. Unable to make it? Take advantage of a special pre-purchase opportunity now through June 27. Also appearing for a special artist signing will be Kevin-John from 1 – 3 p.m.
Closures and Refurbishments
Click here to view the latest renovations and closures at Walt Disney World Resort.
Universal Orlando Resort
New! Halloween Horror Nights Schedule and Tickets Available Now: Halloween Horror Nights returns to Universal Orlando on select nights Sep. 19-Nov. 1, 2014. Watch your worst nightmare take shape as Universal Studios Florida theme park is transformed into the award-winning Halloween Horror Nights 24. See if you can survive all-new haunted houses, spine-chilling street experiences, outrageous live shows, and more! Here are the dates for this year’s spooktacular event! Scheduled dates are:
Event tickets can be purchased either on their own or as part of a Universal Orlando package.
New! AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead’ to Return to Halloween Horror Nights: After rave reviews from fans on both coasts, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are bringing back AMC’s “The Walking Dead” to Halloween Horror Nights for an unprecedented third consecutive year. Horror-hungry fans will experience all-new terrifying mazes inspired by Season 4.
New! Entertainment Details Announced for Diagon Alley: Imagine wandering up the cobbled street of Diagon Alley, turning into nearby Carkitt Market, and enjoying a live performance by one of the wizarding world’s most popular singing sensations or seeing stories from The Tales of Beedle the Bard come to life right before your eyes. Universal Orlando Resort revealed the exciting details behind the unique entertainment and interactive experiences that will debut as part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, the all-new, magnificently themed land opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida.
While exploring the streets of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, guests will be able to enjoy the following shows:
The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a new stage show taking place within Carkitt Market, a covered, outdoor shopping area inspired by London’s famous markets. The show will feature a troupe of four from the Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts who have set up to perform a trunk show using stylized scenic pieces, props and puppetry fabricated by Emmy-award-winning designer Michael Curry. Curry is best known as the production designer on projects including the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony and the 2012 Super Bowl halftime show. The performers will retell two of the famed tales of Beedle the Bard, a 15th-century author of wizarding fairytales. The show will feature “The Fountain of Fair Fortune”, in which three witches and a knight meet in their attempt to reach the Fountain in an enchanted garden, and “The Tale of the Three Brothers” – featured in the seventh film “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1” – in which three wizard brothers come face to face with Death.
The Singing Sorceress: Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, a musical performance featuring the ever-popular singing sensation of the wizarding world, known from the books as Molly Weasley’s favorite singer, who she listens to on the WizardingWireless Network. The swinging show will feature never-before heard songs including, “A Cauldron Full Of Hot, Strong Love,” “You Stole My Cauldron But You Can’t Have My Heart” and “You Charmed The Heart Right Out Of Me”. These titles were all created by J.K. Rowling and the lyrics also include never-before-revealed information on Celestina’s wand from Pottermore.
There will also be various interactive opportunities for guests to enjoy while visiting London and Diagon Alley:
The Knight Bus, which provides emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard in the Harry Potter books and films, is located in the London area of the new land. Guests will be able to meet and chat with the Knight Bus Conductor, and witness his rapport with the shrunken head hanging from the rear-view mirror. The iconic three-story, purple Knight Bus was inspired by its first appearance in the third film, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”
Gringotts Money Exchange, a place where guests will be able to interact with a Gringotts bank goblin and exchange their Muggle currency for Wizarding Bank Notes. These bank notes can be used within both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade (and throughout the rest of Universal’s two theme parks) to purchase snacks and items from the shops.
Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC, one of the wizarding world’s premier wand shops. Visitors to Ollivanders will step into the small, dusty shop and experience “a wand choosing a wizard” firsthand, reminiscent of one of the most iconic scenes from the Harry Potter books and films. This interactive experience is also available at Ollivanders in Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
New! Construction Walls Down at London Embankment of Diagon Alley: On Monday, June 9th, constructions walls came down around Hogsmede Station and the London Embankment. Both areas looks spectacular, but neither are open to the public as of this writing. A grand opening date has not yet been announced for Diagon Alley.
New! Universal Orlando Official App Announced: Universal Orlando Resort launched a new mobile application today that gives guests full control of their adventure by providing immediate attraction wait-times, interactive park maps, customizable favorites lists and more – all with the swipe of a finger. The app is available as a free download for Apple and Android mobile devices. Android – http://bit.ly/1nwUznz Apple – http://bit.ly/1hIfKUb
New! Park-wide Free Wifi Access: Universal announced the debut of free park-wide mobile Internet access from Xfinity WiFi. When you’re in the parks or Universal CityWalk, just look for “xfinitywifi” on your mobile device and follow the steps to get started.
New! DJ Sandman Spinning Live at the groove? Jun 14: Electrifying South Florida’s most high-profile celebrity events, Mr. Sandman has become one of the most sought-after DJs in the local entertainment scene. A-list celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Shaquille O’Neal, Common and numerous others continue to call upon Mr. Sandman to bring his trademark sound and style to their star-studded events. Sat • June 14, Doors Open @ 9pm, 21+ only | $7 Cover. VIP Bottle Service Available. FREE Parking for Florida Residents (after 6pm)
Closures and Refurbishments
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
None scheduled
Universal Studios
Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 6/15 no show scheduled
When Heather isn’t busy sharing Planning tips about Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Resort, Universal Orlando, and more, you can find her planning Disney and Universal Orlando vacations. Contact her on Facebook at Heather Abbott-Agent with Destinations in Florida. For more info and to book your travel, use the Price Your Vacation Form in the Sidebar or click here. You can also call 877-918-8941 and ask for Heather to book. Make sure to mention that you were referred by Socalthrills.com! Safe travels everyone!
The new ABC series, Resurrection, starring Omar Epps, Kurtwood Smith, and Frances Fisher, really seemed like a breath of fresh air last season. It seems that viewers are slammed with so many medical and crime dramas, with the occasional sitcom for good measure, the network TV landscape has become a bit mundane. But this new series, which finds a town in Arcadia, Missouri, experiencing a very strange phenomenon: loved ones who had died before are miraculously returning to life, but with no idea how or why it’s happening. The reappearance of these people begins to tear the town apart at the seams, as the occurrences are met with love by some, and rivaled by others, pitting faith, friendships, and family against each other, as the mystery deepens on just how these people are coming back.
The show really feels like a return to form in some ways for the alphabet network, who has been trying to recapture the magic of their supernatural survival show, LOST, since the show ended in 2010. Despite the numerous attempts of shows like Life on Mars, a remake of the UK series of the same name, Flashforward, and The River, none of them were able to grab viwers for more than a season, leading to cancelation early on. But Resurrection has managed to avoid these pitfalls, and the reason for that is the condensed season of eight episodes really pushes the show forward quickly, grabbing the audience out the gate and never letting up, until the final episode. These shorter seasons mean less filler and fluff, letting the shows speak for themselves without trying to fill a twenty two episode season. It just works much better, and Resurrection has become an example of that.
It helps that the show is led by three fantastic leads in TV veterans Omar Epps, from House, M.D., Kurtwood Smith from That 70’s Show, and Frances Fisher from Eureka and Titus, with newcomer Landon Gimenez helping round out the very impressive cast. Epps’ Special Agent Martin Bellamy isn’t a huge departure from his character of Foreman on House, but really, he plays the role very well, with a lot of compassion for people, and the situation around him. He’s a very good leading man, and the role really fits him, and he has an everyman quality that really makes him easily accessible and likable right away. But it’s really Kurtwood Smith and Frances Fisher who standout as Lucille and Henry Langston, the parents of Jacob, the boy who died twenty years ago and has suddenly come back to them. The two play such emotional extremes, and their performances are so raw and real, you really feel for them. While France’s character Lucille is happy to have her son back, in the way any mother can be, sure it’s her son, Henry is on the other end of the spectrum. He’s so torn by the situation, not sure what to make of it, and really unsure if this is his son or not. He wants to believe, but knowing the fact that he died so long ago, the pain is hard to overcome and for him to believe this is really him, and Smith plays with so much passion and emotion, you really feel the struggle he’s grappling with. It’s really these actors that really drive the series forward, and really make it worth watching.
Resurrection: The Complete First Season comes to DVD with a select few bonus features to pad the set. It’s nothing special, really, with all of them really feeling more like a little bit of fluff, but fans will be happy with the inclusion. The features include:
On Location in Georgia: A short three minute video showing what it’s like to film the series in Georgia. It’s a nice little watch, but it would be great if it was longer, because it feels all too brief.
Three Deleted scenes: The scenes really feel more like extensions of the scenes already in the series. They total about seven minutes, and really don’t offer anything new for the viewers.
Blooper Reel: Most DVD sets from ABC/Disney come with a standard three minute blooper reel, which is definitely harmless fun, showing people as they flub lines and scenes from the series.
Resurrection: Building a Mystery: The final feature is one, much like the first, I really wish was longer. It’s a great look into the time that the show runners, actors, producers, and writers have really put into bringing this show to life. It deals with their personal beliefs a bit, while also talking about the mystery in the show, and the lengths they’re going to make it work. It’s fascinating, but runs just about four minutes, which really doesn’t feel like enough time to talk about it. It would have been fantastic to see a longer making of on this series.
Resurrection: The Complete First Season comes to DVD with a fantastic eight episode first season, that will grab you from beginning to end. Since the season is so short, the show really moves quickly, never losing sight of the core mystery and feeling like there’s too much fluff to pad the episodes. Bolstered by excellent performances, the show really first on all cylinders well. It’s too bad the DVD set really doesn’t offer more in the way of special features, but really, we’re here for the episodes, and those are just a bonus. Overall, it’s a nice set for a very good show, and it’s definitely worth a look.
Disney Interactive has officially announced the latest Play Set to appear in Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) at the 2014 Electronic Entertainment Expo- Marvel’s Spider-Man Play Set. Check out the new gameplay trailer for a first look at new characters coming to the Play Set and Toy Box 2.0.
The Spider-Man Play Set will feature a storyline which follows the Green Goblin as he tries to destroy S.H.I.E.L.D. once and for all. After capturing Venom to extract and clone symbiotes from him, he hires Mysterio to be his second in command and wreak havoc on the Marvel universe. Players will fight the spreading symbiotes and face Mysterio and Green Goblin in in the sewers, labs and skies above Manhattan.
Key highlights for the Spider-Man Play Set include:
· Play Set: Playable characters include Spider-Man, Nick Fury, Iron Fist, Nova and Venom with additional appearances by White Tiger, Black Cat and Luke Cage. Players will be tasked to destroy the cloned symbiotes and advance to fight Mysterio.
· Toy Box: Spider-Man, Nick Fury, Iron Fist, Nova and Venom will be playable in the all-new Toy Box 2.0 mode of the game, along with all characters previously released for Disney Infinity. Players will be able to use these characters, plus hundreds of Marvel and Disney-themed items, locations, props and vehicles, to create new adventures in customized worlds. Once players complete the Spider-Man Play Set, the S.H.I.E.L.D. Hover Car, S.H.I.E.L.D. Sky Cycle, Daily Bugle Building and more will be unlocked and can be used in Toy Box.
The Spider-Man Play Set will be available in retail stores this fall. Additional Play Sets and characters will be announced in the coming months.
The search for the new team behind Marvel Studio’s newest film, Ant-Man, has finally come to an end. Marvel has just announced that Adam McKay, best known for his work on the Will Ferrell comedies Anchorman, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, and Step Brothers, will write the new film, which will be directed by Peyton Reed, who directed Bring It On, Yes Man, and Down with Love. The two are very interesting choices, but McKay makes a lot of sense with his past relationship with Rudd, and Reed has made a name for himself over the last few years with quirky comedies and his cult hit, Bring it On.
When Marvel’s “Ant-Man” hits theaters July 17, 2015, director Peyton Reed will help shepherd the hero into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a cast led by Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, with writer Adam McKay contributing to the film’s script.
Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang (Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.
This comes just a few weeks after Edgar Wright’s sudden departure from the film, which he had been shepherded over the better part of the last decade. It seems that Marvel has found someone who is willing to make the film within the confines of their universe, and on their time table, so I’m certainly curious to see how this all comes together.
Ant-Man stars Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Patrick Wilson, and Evangeline Lily, and is set for release on July 17, 2015.
Are you excited to see McKay and Reed taking the helm on Ant-Man? Let me know in the usual place!
New! Diagon Alley Food and Beverage Options Revealed: At the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion at Universal Orlando, we’ll all have the opportunity to actually step inside places you’ve only seen in the Harry Potter films and read about in the Harry Potter books and actually taste some of the foods and drinks your favorite characters have enjoyed! First up is the Leaky Cauldron, which will look just like it does in the films…all the way down to the huge cauldron that sits in the middle of the restaurant. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious British fare like…
Bangers and Mash (traditional roasted sausages with creamy mashed potatoes)
Toad in the Hole (traditional sausage baked into a Yorkshire pudding and served with onion gravy)
Cottage Pie (a savory combination of meat and vegetables in a potato crust)
Fisherman’s Pie (salmon, shrimp and cod baked together under a potato crust)
Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew (served in a bread bowl)
Ploughman’s (a feast of English cheeses, crusty bread, cornichon pickles, apple beet salad, Branston pickle and a Scotch egg)
Split Pea Soup
Banger Pub Style Sandwich
Fish and Chips
And more!
And you can finish off your meal with scrumptious desserts like Chocolate Potted Cream, Cranachan and Sticky Toffee Pudding. There will also be breakfast served at the Leaky Cauldron with two new breakfast items, only available at Diagon Alley: an Apple Oatmeal Flan with Yogurt and Fruit and an Egg, Leek and Mushroom Pasty.
There will also be new beverages for you to enjoy in Diagon Alley like:
Fishy Green Ale (it’s Fishy Green Ale, use your imagination!)
Otter’s Fizzy Orange Juice
Tongue Tying Lemon Squash
Peachtree Fizzing Tea
Wizard’s Brew (draught beer)
Dragon Scale (draught beer)
Gillywater
Pumpkin Juice
Butterbeer (of course!)
Another must-stop during your trip to Diagon Alley will be Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment, a cart located in Horizont Alley, where you can enjoy unique elixirs. Here’s how it works: you select from a variety of elixirs like Draught of Peace, Babbling Beverage, Elixir to Induce Euphoria and Fire Protection Potion, and then add the elixir to Gillywater. By mixing them, you’ll see your drink transform before your eyes and experience a delightful flavor surprise. Too cool!
And of course, to top it all off, you have Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour. You may remember Florean Fortescue’s from the first book and film “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” when Hagrid bought Harry a chocolate and raspberry ice-cream with chopped nuts. You’ll be able to do the same with unique flavors of ice-cream like…
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley opens at the Universal Orlando Resort in Summer 2014.
When Heather isn’t busy sharing Planning tips about Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Resort, Universal Orlando, and more, you can find her planning Disney and Universal Orlando vacations. Contact her on Facebook at Heather Abbott-Agent with Destinations in Florida. For more info and to book your travel, use the Price Your Vacation Form in the Sidebar or click here. You can also call 877-918-8941 and ask for Heather to book. Make sure to mention that you were referred by Socalthrills.com! Safe travels everyone!
The first trailer for the new Pierce Brosnan spy film, The November Man, has just been released. But this isn’t the type of spy film from Brosnan may be expecting. In fact, the film, directed by Roger Donaldson, looks like a more adult take on the spy genre, along the lines of The Bourne Identity and Taken, not so much the James Bond films that Brosnan is most famously known for. It looks like a lot of fun, and if the film works, it could certainly lead to a new spy series for Brosnan to star in. Check out the trailer below.
An ex-CIA operative is brought back in on a very personal mission and finds himself pitted against his former pupil in a deadly game involving high level CIA officials and the Russian president-elect.
The film is based on the novel, There Are No Spies, written by Bill Granger. It’s one of a few novels that stars Brosnan’s character in the film, Peter Devereaux. Brosnan seems to be in top form here, and the character looks to be a much darker, more violent character than his 007 counterpart. It’ll be interesting to see if audiences will be able to accept him in that role, and they can separate his cheeky, womanizing, and suave Bond character from this.
The November Man also stars Olga Kurylenko and Luke Bracey, and will open nationwide on August 27, 2014.
Are you looking forward to The November Man? What did you think of the trailer? Leave your thoughts in the usual place below.
It’s rare for studios to do a major tent pole film that isn’t set up to be a franchise starter, so it’s always a pleasant surprise when a one off film comes out, especially during the summer. Thankfully, even without franchise recognition, Edge of Tomorrow ends up being one of the this summer’s better offerings. The film sets out to be a fun sci-fi adventure, but it’s one that audiences may not quite be expecting. It’s a film that feels a like it’s part part video game, while being all parts a sci-fi action tale, but one that’s made for a smarter audience, because it never stops to pander to them.
Based on the Japanese novel, All You Need is Kill, Edge of Tomorrow stars Tom Cruise as Major William Cage, a man living in a bleak looking near future, where an alien species, known as Mimics, threatens to destroy humanity, and claiming Earth as their own. But for Cage, the future may never happen, as he finds himself stuck in a strange anomaly: Every time he dies, he wakes up on the same day, forced to relive the day over again. As Cage begins to try and understand what’s happening to him, he comes in contact with Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), the leader of the human resistance, and a woman who just might know what’s happening to him. The two band together, trying to use Cage’s knowledge and newly found powers as an upper hand against the enemy. But what if it’s not enough, and the Earth is doomed to fall, no matter how many times they try and change the future?
The best thing about Edge of Tomorrow is the fact that the way it plays with its premise. The film could easily become out of hand or repetitive really quickly, but instead it feels natural. They play it with a bit of comedy in the beginning, making it easier to accept what’s happening, before shifting it into a more serious direction. In fact, the idea behind this whole film actually becomes very interesting, when they start to play on the idea of all the pain that Cage must feel living the same day over and over again, and watching the people around him die over and over again. Cruise is so good in the role, and he balances it in a way only he can. He brings his usual charm and charisma to the role, and the way he plays the comedy and seriousness in the overall bizarre situation he finds himself in is great. Cruise has always been a great action star, and that is no different here. You can tell he fully threw himself into the role, and he makes wearing the cumbersome suit seem effortless.
But it’s really not just Cruise who shines, but Emily Blunt damn near steals the film as Rita Vrataski. Blunt has been gaining a lot of traction and notoriety over the last few years, but this may be the film to really put her on the map. She completely holds her own against Cruise, and even shows him up at times. She’s tough as nails, and she handles the action very well. There’s never a moment where Blunt feels out of place in the film, and you completely believe her character has earned her famous nickname. This may actually be one of the best female protagonists to grace the screens since Ripley and Sarah Conner, and Blunt could more than care that mantle for sometime. Bill Paxton also steals all his scenes as Master Sergeant Farrell Bartolome, a by the books military officer who is nothing but a pain in Cage’s side. Paxton is just a joy to watch, as he chews up the scenery in his scenes with glee, and it’s hard not to love him in the role.
Director Doug Liman has proven himself a more than capable action director, with things like The Bourne Identity and Mr. and Mrs. Smith on his resume, but Edge of Tomorrow is certainly his most grown up and most well staged action film of his career. The film has some incredibly impressive action sequences on the battlefield, as well as outside of it, as the story progresses, and he clearly shoots the scenes with care. There’s no shaky cam work here, and everything is nicely choreographed, making it easy to tell what’s going on, and making it more enjoyable. The most impressive action sequences really come from a montage on the battlefield between Cage and Rita, as they fight side by side against the Mimics. They look great fighting together, and the scenes are so much fun.
It’s just too bad the film’s second act bogs down the pace, as the film’s story begins to try and move forward. A full scene of exposition that explains the Mimics, and the way that Cage ended up with his new powers, begins to drag the film down. It doesn’t hurt the film too much, but it’s certainly noticeable. Then there’s also a matter of the film’s ending, which while good, does feel a bit forced. It seems too neat and tied up, as great and emotional as it can be seen as. One can’t help but wonder if a different ending may have yielded a better third act, and a stronger finish, but audiences will be more than happy with the way the film closes.
Edge of Tomorrow is one of the better sci-fi offerings of the last few years. While the film suffers from some pacing issues in the middle, and a bit of a deus ex machina with its ending, it doesn’t hurt the overall enjoyability of the film. Cruise is in top form, which will come as no shock to his fans, but it’s really Blunt and Paxton who steal the film in their respective roles. Featuring a great sense of humor, some fantastic action scenes, and a newer premise that hasn’t been visited too many times before, the film soars to great heights, overcoming its few problems. This isn’t the best summer film of 2014, but it’s definitely one of its strongest offerings.
We’ve known for some time now that Marvel Studios was ramping up production on a film based on their popular character, Doctor Strange. So much so, they actually named drop the titular character, Stephen Strange, in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Well, it looks like the film is now one step closer to being fully realized, as Marvel has set their sights on director Scott Derrickson for the film. Variety was the first to break the news. Marvel hasn’t made an official announcement, but Derrickson has, as he later tweeted this image:
— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) June 3, 2014
With Derrickson now confirming his involvement, it’s only a matter of time before we find out who’s writing the film, as well as starring it in. Rumors have circulated that Johnny Depp, Jon Hamm, and Jared Leto have all been eyed for the role of the Sorcerer Supreme, but only time will tell who actually lands the role. The film will certainly part of Marvel’s Phase 3, and will probably be one of the 2016 films.
Derrickson is a really interesting, and inspired, choice for the film. His best known for his horror films Sinister and The Exorcism of Emily Rose, which makes me think Marvel is looking at a darker, possibly scary take on the character. If that’s the case, that’s great, because that will certainly set the film apart from its other Marvel Studios brethren. I’m actually very excited to see the direction the film takes, and the new doors it opens for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is going to be a much wilder, darker, more supernatural style film, and it could be a good way for Marvel to reintroduce characters like Blade and Ghost Rider down the line.
Are you excited for Marvel’s Doctor Strange? Is there anyone in particular you’d like to see as Strange? Sound off in the usual place.
Soak up summer with Pixar Summer Movies To Go exclusively on Disney Movies Anywhere, the free app that lets you stream and download Disney, Pixar and Marvel films anywhere. Beginning June 3, log on for new Pixar surprises coming each week throughout 13 weeks of summer.
With Pixar Summer Movies To Go, a different fan favorite film will be available each week and you can unlock exclusive bonus content like special filmmaker introductions, film trivia and more Pixar surprises! Additionally, in the Discover section of the Disney Movies Anywhere app you’ll find “Countdown to Pixar’s Ultimate Movie-Making Secrets.”
Rev up your digital movie collection starting with Cars on June 3. Check in each week to find out what movie is featured, and you’ll soon be whizzing through outer space with Wall•E, floating on the breeze with Up, trying to catch your toys in action while watching Toy Story, and catching the East Australian Current with Dory in Finding Nemo.
Perfect for vacations and summer travel; download the free Disney Movies Anywhere app on your iPhone or iPad and gear up for Pixar Summer Movies To Go to get summer started right. And for a limited time, when you download Disney Movies Anywhere and link your iTunes account, you’ll get The Incredibles for free. Find out more about buying, watching, and collecting your favorite Disney, Pixar and Marvel movies anywhere and download the App at http://di.sn/sX8
